Jo tried not to think about Elodie’s other grandmother having already spent lots of time with her, presumably bonding with her before Jo had even clapped eyes on her. ‘And what’s she like? Elodie, I mean? I can’t wait to see her.’

Bella beamed, lighting up her lovely face. ‘She’s perfect. She’ll be up in a little while but you can have a peep at her if you like?’

Bella may as well have told Jo that she had just deposited a million pounds into her bank account, she felt so elated. ‘I’d love to!’

She tiptoed behind Bella, taking care not to make any noise as she followed her into the baby’s bedroom. Jo’s eyes took a few moments to adjust to the gloomy light as she made her way over to the white wooden cot in the corner. Elodie was lying on her back, her tiny hands clasped into fists either side of her head, as if she was cheering in her sleep. She had a shock of soft, downy dark hair and a perfect rosebud mouth that was slightly open as she breathed in and out, causing her chest to rise and fall in her snow-white babygro. Jo could feel the tears welling but she fought them back. ‘She’s so lovely,’ she told Bella. ‘And she looks so much like you.’

Bella followed her gaze and smiled. ‘Thank you. And yes, I think she’s lovely too but I’m a bit biased.’

‘You’re allowed to be. You’re her mum,’ Jo whispered, greedily drinking in one last look before leaving the room.

After the awkwardness of the first few minutes, the mood of tension soon lifted. Ben prepared lunch while they sat at the table in the kitchen, chatting and laughing. In complete contrast to what Jo had been expecting, Bella’s demeanour could not have been more welcoming or friendly. Unlike at Christmas, she chatted easily and laughed readily.

‘And how has Ben been looking after you?’ Jo asked Bella, beaming with pride as he dished up a delicious-looking lasagne.

Bella seemed to think about it for a few seconds before she answered. ‘He’s been amazing. But he works such long hours. I think we might need to rethink.’

Ben frowned as he scooped up a forkful of lasagne. ‘Rethink what?’

Bella smiled. ‘Your job. It’s not even as if you love it that much. A fresh start somewhere out of London might be good for all of us.’

‘You never mentioned it before.’ Ben had flushed slightly but his tone was still light-hearted. ‘What’s brought this on?’

Jo stole a glance at Peter, whose eyes had narrowed.

‘Oh, I don’t know. Maybe hearing your mum and dad’s stories about you growing up in Suffolk. It sounds idyllic. I’d like Elodie to have that sort of upbringing.’

‘What was your childhood like, Bella?’ Jo put down her fork and took a sip of wine. ‘I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you talk about it.’

‘That’s because I don’t want to bore everyone rigid. It was as dull as ditchwater.’ Bella rolled her eyes and exhaled. ‘There’s honestly nothing to tell.’